photo: Victor Scott (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
On Sunday, the St. Louis Cardinals set their Opening Day 26-man roster, but not without some surprises.
St. Louis Cardinals release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today (Sunday, March 23) that the team has reduced its Spring Training roster to 27 players with three players moving to minor league camp. Pitcher Zack Thompson to be placed on the Injured List on Monday, March 24.
Prior to today’s game, the Cardinals optioned infielder José Fermín and pitcher Michael McGreevy to Memphis (AAA) and re-assigned non-roster infielder José Barrero to the Memphis roster.
Brian Walton’s take
Well… None of the battles we thought were underway turned out to be real.
Victor Scott vs. Michael Siani – Both somewhat redundant center fielders made the roster, with Scott, coming off a strong spring, named the starter.
Jose Fermin vs. Jose Barrero – A direct impact of the above meant there was no roster room for either to serve as the reserve shortstop. Any further bumps or bruises to Masyn Winn would mean a quick call to Memphis for Fermin or Thomas Saggese. (Barrero does not have a 40-man roster spot.)
The possibility of a six-man rotation – This idea, floated by manager Oliver Marmol recently, created hope for Michael McGreevy. The latter did everything asked of him this spring, but it didn’t translate into a spot with the team.
The fifth starter – This was a bit of a surprise. Steven Matz again lost his starting spot, moved to relief until April 16. Rather than the berth going to McGreevy, however, the Cardinals decided to give Matthew Liberatore another chance in the rotation.
The last pen spot – Though the very end of the eight-man bullpen did not receive much focus, I felt the last spot would go down to Kyle Leahy vs. Chris Roycroft. However, with McGreevy going to Memphis, both relievers, Leahy and Roycroft, made the team.
As a result of this, no non-roster camp invitees made the 2025 team.
Other news
Source: RHP Nick Anderson is expected to trigger his upward mobility clause tomorrow.
Once triggered, 29 teams have 24 hours to claim him.
If a team claims him, the Cardinals then have 72 hours to put him on their 40-man roster.
Anderson has 5+ years of service time, meaning… pic.twitter.com/hQozCtCWb2
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) March 22, 2025
Though this likely only affects Memphis, it is worth watching. Given the reality that every organization is making tough cuts right now and the fact that Anderson had a dismal spring, my guess is that he will not be claimed. And if he is, the Cardinals will let him go. Whether Anderson decides to report to Memphis or go elsewhere is anyone’s guess.
For transaction and roster information
To see all players in the system by level and position plus every transaction all year ‘round, check out the always free Roster Matrix here at The Cardinal Nation, refreshed today.
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Cardinals Minor League Spring Training Camp Report – March 22, 2025
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